Barcelona will be aiming to get back to winning ways following two disappointing performances and results over the course of this week, claim agencies.
The Catalan side take on Celta Vigo this Saturday at Camp Nou, and a victory will almost certainly see them retain top spot in La Liga. It has been a frustrating week for Barça, who slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Levante in their last match and failed to beat Slavia Prague midweek in the Champions League.
Celta Vigo have enormous problems of their own, finding themselves in the relegation zone having picked up only nine points from their opening 12 games and losing their last four matches. Luis Suarez is still missing for Barcelona with the injury he sustained against Levante, while Jordi Alba is a doubt due to a minor injury picked up against Slavia Prague.
Barcelona may make changes from the side that drew on Tuesday, with a number of individuals fielding unimpressive displays. Celta Vigo are without the attacking influence of both Rafinha and Santi Mina, while Kevin Vazquez and Claudio Beauvue are also sidelined.
These two teams have faced off on 46 occasions in the past, in which Barcelona have been the superior side, winning 22 of the encounters. However, Celta Vigo won the last match between the sides, a 2-0 home victory at Balaídos back in May 2019. Barcelona haven't lost at home to Saturday's opponents since 2014, and will be looking to continue their unbeaten record at the Camp Nou this season.
Barca have failed to win either of their last two matches, but still remain on top of La Liga and their Champions League group. Ernesto Valverde is coming under a lot of pressure at the moment, with questions being raised over his playing style. Before their defeat to Levante last weekend, Barcelona had won seven games on the bounce and have still got a heap of quality across the pitch. Their home form is fantastic this season, with their midweek draw with Slavia Prague being the first dropped points at the Camp Nou this term. Celta Vigo are struggling near the foot of the La Liga table this season. They have lost their last four league games, most recently a 1-0 home defeat to Getafe, a result which cost manager Fran Escriba his job.
Oscar Garcia has been drafted in to take charge, and is walking into somewhat of a baptism of fire this Saturday at Camp Nou. Here is how both sides have got on in their last five matches. Whilst it has been far from Barcelona's best week, there is no doubt that they should comfortably beat a fragile Celta Vigo side. The hosts' record at Camp Nou is immense and it is no easy place for any team to come, let alone a side in peril.
Luis Suarez will continue to be a big miss for Barça, and with Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele failing to impress lately, teenage sensation Ansu Fati may be in contention to start. Celta Vigo may have a sliver of hope, praying for a new manager bounce from Oscar Garcia...but more likely is an easy victory for Barcelona.